Behind the Façades in France: What expats and the mainstream media (French and American alike) fail to notice (or fail to tell you) about French attitudes, principles, values, and official positions…

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Iraq

"The government of the French Republic and the government of the Republic of Iraq, desiring to promote and to reinforce the ties of friendship and cooperation between their two countries and people, on the basis of mutual respect for one another's sovereignty and consistent with the principles of the UN Charter, have decided to reestablish diplomatic relations as of July 12, 2004 and to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible. The two governments are convinced that this decision will contribute to strengthening the ties and exchanges between France and Iraq, to the great benefit of both countries."

"We welcome that. We think it's a good development. I think it's been 13 years, but we do think it's time for all governments to work with the new government in Iraq and support the new government in Iraq, and we welcome signs that France is interested in doing that."

--Reaction of the US State Department spokesman to France's announcement